The LCP's recent run of Gentrifucked was as timely, relevant, and provocative as the troupe's productions have always been – and pretty damn funny, too. And this Barrio Daze is just as laced with dark humor, but even more concentrated and powerful – partly because it's performed by just one man: LCP head honcho Adrian Villegas, whose array of characters and the level of craft with which he portrays them could leave you breathless. Barrio Daze, a kaleidoscopic glimpse into diverse aspects of Mexican-American identity, is something of a reprise of its own earlier incarnation – but newly revamped to reflect a variety of *fnord* current events. We recommend it highly. And if you hold (or you're thinking of running for) public office anywhere in Tejas, we reckon it should be required viewing.

Need something Austin-y (art, jewelry, prints, clothing, etc., whatnot, and then some) for a loved one this year? Thousands of original works from more than 200 artists and artisans will help you with your gifting conundrums.

Winter is coming … and the Wildflower Center's even more beautiful because of it, as you stroll along the night-time paths and gardens with thousands of luminarias and other beautiful light displays among the landscaped flora, as you enjoy live music, maple taffy, and steaming cups of hot chocolate in the courtyard and the stars shine all big and bright in the vault, the vault, the vault of heaven. What a lovely escape from the urban grind!

If you like art inspired by science, you'll love this. If you like trading cards, you'll love this. If you like both of those things at once, you may be overwhelmed with joy at this fifth annual fundraising event featuring hundreds of original, affordable, miniature works of science-celebrating art by artists from all over the country. That's right, 2.5-by-3.5-inch works of art, already framed for your convenience, waiting for a home on your wall or – hey, it's that time of year – the wall of a lucky friend or friends.

It's a holiday horror art show here at Guzu in the Center of Austin Fandom, featuring new renditions of the iconic heroes and villains of the grisly genre. By whom, precisely? By some of the best illustrators around: Chet Phillips, Billy Perkins, Katherine Kuehne, the incredible brotherly duo of Half-Human, Tessa Morrison, and more.

Past the roots of the British Invasion, the blues Renaissance continued well into the Eighties with the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Ann Arbor/Austin guitarist Johnny Nicholas’ 1977 debut Too Many Bad Habits drilled deep into America’s root music alongside genre greats Johnny Shines and Big Walter Horton, both all over a 2-CD reissue of the authentic blues holler.

This Nigerian-born singer-songwriter honed his craft locally for over a decade as a solo act, and yet his debut as power trio Kalu & the Electric Joint arrives as his breakout. Time Undone pairs him with guitarist Jonathan “JT” Holt and drummer John Speice (Grupo Fantasma, Brownout, Money Chicha) for a heady mix of brooding rock, blues, and soul.

Samuel D. Hunter – you know, the brilliant fellow who wrote The Whale and Bright New Boise – scripted this new ensemble piece about a last-ditch attempt to stave off the inevitable at Eddie’s failing Italian restaurant in the equally failing town of Pocatello. It's one hell of a Famiglia Week, alright, and this poignantly funny unraveling is directed by Benjamin Wallace Summers for Street Corner Arts.

Come watch the choo-choos in this holiday display and inspire the next generation to keep this historic hobby alive and well. You might even be allowed to sit behind the controls if you're kind enough to the tip jar.

Watch the village come to life with carolers and colorful characters that step out of history, not in England but in the Lone Star State, as performers at Pioneer Farms re-create various scenes of the classic tale – Dickens with a Texas twang.

No, no, Jaston Williams – who created this wacky small-town wonderment with Joe Sears and Ed Howard – that Jaston ain't in this version, now, hon, but he sure 'nough directs it and brings "the third smallest town in Texas, where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies" back to hilarious holiday life with just three actors playing all 25 of the Tuna citizens.

The "Wonder Woman of Drag" Kelly Kline hosts a dragtastic holiday show featuring Austin's best queens and kings. So don ye now your gay apparel – prizes will be doled out for best dressed. Food and bev provided.

Austin Technology Council member happy hours are informal events open to the entire member community. They are designed to integrate new members into the ATC community and to serve as a networking opportunity for member company employees.

Celebrate the Blanton's new "The Open Road: Photography and the American Road Trip" exhibition with Sun Radio's DJ Mark Murray broadcasting live from the atrium, followed by two live sets of American rock-n-roll from Guitar Legs (featuring Rosie Flores & Sophia Johnson), as your favorite bartenders from The North Door serve up the perfect travelin' cocktails to wet your whistle with.